What’s It All About?

This course is about mathematics for computer science.

It introduces the mathematical topics needed to provide a solid theoretical foundation for your career and continued learning in computer science.

We will cover the following topics:

• Sets
• Logic
• Functions and Relations
• Combinatorics and Probability
• Number Theory
• Trees and Graphs

Course Description

This course introduces the mathematical topics needed to provide a solid theoretical foundation for computer science.

After completing this course, you will be equipped to communicate mathematically with your peers at work and apply mathematics to the technical solution process with various computing problems.  This course was additionally designed to support the mission of BYU-Idaho to develop disciples of Jesus Christ who are leaders in their homes, the church, and their communities.

Course Outcomes

The outcomes for this course list the knowledge and skills you can expect to achieve if you complete the activities and assignments provided each week. If you will diligently apply yourself to learning the course material, by the end of the course, you will do the following:

• Master the basic terminology and operations of sets and logic, functions and relations, combinatorics, discrete probability, number theory, trees, and graphs.
• Solve common mathematical problems through logical reasoning.
• Interpret the meaning of mathematical statements in the context of applications in computer science.
• Learn basic functional programming through using, reading, and writing functional style code.

Prerequisites

• You must have successfully completed CSE 210: Programming with Classes.

Requirements

Required Text

The textbook for this course is an online interactive book called Discrete Mathematics. You will be charged for this book on your student account by the BYUI Bookstore if you are enrolled in the course after the Registration Deadline. See About Your Textbook: Discrete Mathematics for more information.

Required Behaviors

You are required to do the following:

• Read assigned portions of the course materials in zyBooks
• Participate in an interactive assignment by watching a video from your teacher while solving problems.
• Complete all personal assignments to deepen your understanding of selected topics.

Remember, because this is a three-credit course, you should plan to spend at least 9–12 hours on this class each week doing the reading and homework. The work you complete in this course will contribute to your understanding and learning of the course material. It is important to pace yourself in order to really learn the material. Set aside time throughout the week to complete your assignments. The best way to approach this class is to work on it a little bit each day. If you try to cram all the reading and homework into the weekend, it will be too much to comprehend and retain. To be successful, you are encouraged to spend 1–2 hours each day working on this class.

Most weeks will follow the same pattern (all due dates are in mountain time):

• W## Prepare 1: Section(s) ... — Reading and activities in zyBook due on Monday
• W## Prepare 2: Section(s) ... — Reading and activities in zyBook due on Wednesday
• W## Prepare 3: Section(s) ... — Reading activities in zyBook due on Friday. Not all weeks have a third reading assignment.
• W## Prove: Interactive Challenge Set
• W## Prove: Problem Set 

Two comprehensive exams will be given during the semester:

• W08 Prove: Midterm Exam 
• W14 Prove: Final Exam

Types of activities

Reading & Activities

Each reading assignment is due on the day assigned. Readings include participation activities and challenge activities.

Participation activities are small interactive activities to help reinforce the reading material. These should be completed as you do the reading. Use these activities to help you understand the topic.

Interactive Challenge Sets

Each week, you will be given a challenge set intended to further your understanding each week. You will solve the problems with your teacher by watching a video that will be posted each week in MS Teams. Communication with the class in MS Teams is required. You will submit pictures of your completed work to Canvas.

Problem Sets

The weekly problem sets are assigned to assess your understanding of the material. If you answer a question wrong, you will be notified by Canvas. You are given unlimited attempts to complete the problem sets. You are encouraged to study and ask questions for problems that you miss. Resubmittals after the due date are allowed and encouraged.

Mid-Term and Final Exams

The midterm will be during Week 08 and the final exam will be during Week 13 and 14. You will have two attempts at each test. The questions will be multiple choice and cover all the material in the course.

Late Work

As a sign of professionalism, you are expected to turn things in on time. This will keep you on pace and caught up with the class. However, the most important goal is that you have an opportunity to practice the concepts. 

Grades

This course will use letter-based grades as defined in the University Guideline's Grading System:

• A represents outstanding understanding, application, and integration of subject material and extensive evidence of original thinking, skillful use of concepts, and ability to analyze and solve complex problems. Demonstrates diligent application of Learning Model principles, including using initiative in serving other students.

• B represents considerable and significant understanding, application, and incorporation of the material that would prepare a student to be successful in next-level courses, graduate school, or employment. The student participates in the Learning Model as applied in the course.

• C represents a sufficient understanding of the subject matter. The student demonstrates minimal initiative to be prepared for class. Sequenced courses could be attempted, but mastering new materials might prove challenging. The student participates only marginally in the Learning Model. In other words, C-level work is doing the bare minimum to get by in the class.

• D represents poor performance and initiative to learn, understand, and apply course materials. Retaking a course or remediation may be necessary to prepare for additional instruction in this subject matter.

• F represents a failure in the course.

Your final grade will be determined based on the evidence you present throughout the course as you complete the assigned tasks, including readings, participation activities, challenge activities, homework, and participation in class.

While earning a specific grade is not and should not be the objective of the course, nevertheless, the final grade you earn is an indication of the level of mastery you have achieved in the course. In order to help you assess your own level of mastery each week, points will be given for specific tasks and behaviors.

The final weighted sum of all your scores will determine your final grade in the BYU-Idaho standard way. The instructor reserves the right to change your grade based on the evidence you present throughout the semester.

Where to get help for this course

The following resources are provided to you and should be accessed in this order as you seek help.

1. The course textbook and other reading posted on I-Learn
   • Oftentimes the readings will have a large portion of the information needed to complete your assignments. This will generally be the best place to start when you have questions.
2. Google
   • Spend time researching your problem online.
   • Find other sources of information about the specific type of problem you are facing. Looking at an example of how to approach a problem can often help you see how to move forward.
3. Microsoft Teams
   • Instead of emailing questions about math problems or exercises to your instructor, please post on Teams so that others in the class may benefit from your question and the forthcoming answers. 
   • Follow the instructions in the article, How do I ask a good question? from Substack as you write questions to post in Teams. Be sure to be specific, include screenshots or code where necessary, and describe what you have tried that did not work.

Generative AI Usage Policy

You are expected to utilize all available resources to learn and understand the material in this class, including books, class videos, office hours, websites, and AI tools. The goal of this class is to both learn and understand numerous mathematical principles and solve problems related to them. This is direct preparation for technical interviews and design decisions you will need to make in your future career. Therefore, the questions in the weekly Prove assignments, the Midterm Exam, and the Final Exam must be reasoned and answered manually without using an AI tool to solve the problem for you. You must discipline yourself to use the AI to refine and advance your learning instead of trending us to be "slothful and shallow" in both our spiritual and technical development (see Elder David A. Bednar, 2024). You are encouraged to both ask clarifying questions of the AI about mathematical topics and provide additional examples beyond those provided in the reading and class. Please take advantage of your college experience to become a mathematically driven engineer. Investing the necessary effort now will enable AI to boost your productivity in the future.

"My dear brothers and sisters, as sophisticated as modern technology has become, it simply cannot simulate the wonder, awe, and amazement found in the kind of reverence born from the influence of the Holy Ghost" - (Elder Ulisses Soares, 2025)

Instructor-Initiated Drop Policy

If you do not participate in the first week of activities in the course, you may dropped from the course by your instructor. If you are having difficulties during the first week, please reach out to your teacher.

Personal Challenges

As a faculty member, I am committed to creating a learning environment that supports the well-being and development of all students. If you are experiencing stressors or situations that impact your academic experience or personal wellness, seeking professional help may be an important step for you to take. The following resources are available to support you and your well-being at the university: 

1. Dean of Students Office: a central place for students to seek support in navigating personal challenges. 290 Kimball Building, 208-496-9200
2. Counseling Center: licensed counselors who assist students in identifying and resolving emotional, mental, and interpersonal problems. Student Health Center 200, 208-496-9370
3. 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Hotline: Available 24/7 by call or text message, the 988 hotline connects you to a trained crisis counselor who provides free and confidential emotional support and crisis counseling to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress and connects them to resources.

If you experience a crisis, I encourage you to reach out to me so we can discuss ways for you to be successful in my course.

Educational Challenges

Brigham Young University-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified, documented disabilities. The Accessibility Services Office coordinates services with the students and instructors. More information is available at Accessibility Services.

Preventing Sexual Harassment

BYU-Idaho prohibits sex discrimination by its employees and students in all its education programs or activities. This includes all forms of sexual harassment, such as sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and other forms of unwelcome sexual conduct.

As an instructor, one of my responsibilities is to help create a safe learning environment for my students. University policy requires deans and department chairs, and encourages all faculty, to report every incident of sexual harassment that comes to their attention. If you experience sexual harassment or are concerned for the safety of others, please contact the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@byui.edu or 208-496-9209. More information is available at Title IX.

Additional Policies

Please review the following important University Policies that apply to this course:

• CES Honor Code - Dress and Grooming Standards
• Academic Student Support - Academic Support Centers
• Student Grievances - Office of Compliance/Complaints

Disclaimer

This document may be modified by the instructor at any time without notification.